HS 121190 Other
Quick Answer: Herbs, plants, and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included under HS code 121190, enter the UK at rates including 2.00%, the EU at rates including 3.00%, and the US at rates including 4.8% or duty-free. This residual classification applies to a wide array of dried or fresh botanical materials used for perfumery, medicinal, or insecticidal purposes, which do not fit into more specific HS 1211 subheadings. Importers should verify specific national tariff lines as rates can vary significantly based on the exact botanical species and its intended use. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to avoid incorrect duty assessments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211900000 | — | — | — |
| 1211903000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 1211908600 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1211908610 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1211908620 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211900000 | — | — | — |
| 1211903000 | 3.00 % | — | — |
| 1211908620 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1211908600 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1211908610 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211902000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 121190 | — | — | — |
| 12119040 | 4.8% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 1211908920 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 1211908931 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 1211.90?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 121190 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, not elsewhere specified or included in heading 1211. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes various dried or fresh plant materials such as certain roots, barks, leaves, flowers, and seeds that do not fit into more specific subheadings within 1211. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide further detail on specific botanical entries falling under this residual category.
What falls outside HS 121190?
The following products are excluded from HS 121190: essential oils (Chapter 33), foodstuffs and animal feed (Chapters 10, 11, 12, 23), and plants or parts of plants primarily used for dyeing or tanning (Chapter 13). For instance, hops used for brewing are classified under 1210, while medicinal plants specifically listed in other headings, such as ginseng (121120), are not included here. Products solely for ornamental purposes are also typically excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121190?
A common error is misclassifying products that have multiple uses. For example, if a plant part is primarily used for perfumery but also has a minor medicinal application, it should be classified based on its principal use. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures and composite goods, or GRI 3(c) for goods that cannot be classified by reference to GRI 3(a) or 3(b), may be relevant. Importers may also incorrectly classify processed or extracted forms of plants that belong to other HS chapters.
How should importers classify products under HS 121190?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 121190 involves a thorough examination of the product's botanical origin, its intended primary use, and its form (fresh, dried, or processed). Importers and customs brokers should consult the official WCO HS Explanatory Notes, the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC), and any available laboratory analysis or supplier documentation to confirm the correct classification. If a product has multiple potential classifications, determine the most specific one or apply the GRI.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121190?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of dried chamomile flowers, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 121190.90.00 (Other, other).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121190?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121190, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for Free duty rates for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from developing countries, such as India. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A may be required, depending on the origin country and importing jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 121190, and how are they applied?
HS code 121190 covers 'Other' plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, not elsewhere specified or included. Duty rates vary significantly by importing country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 6.5% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, rates can range from 0.00% to 3.00% ad valorem depending on the specific product and origin. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varied rates, often around 4.8% ad valorem for certain origins. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the exact rate applicable to your imported goods.
How is the duty for HS code 121190 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 121190 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of dried herbs classified under 121190 has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 6.5% (like the US MFN rate), the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (customs value) × 0.065 (duty rate) = $650. Some countries may also apply specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, so verifying the calculation method is essential.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 121190?
Importing goods under HS code 121190 generally requires standard international trade documentation. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, and value of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a certificate of origin. Depending on the specific plant material and its intended use (e.g., pharmaceutical, food additive), additional certifications may be required, such as phytosanitary certificates to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases, or certificates of analysis confirming the composition and purity of the product. Importers should consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 121190 under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates for HS code 121190 may be available under various free trade agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade schemes. For example, goods originating from countries that are part of the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or specific FTAs with the EU may benefit from reduced or zero duty rates. Similarly, goods originating from countries with an FTA with the United States may qualify for preferential treatment under the HTS. To claim preferential treatment, importers must provide a valid proof of origin, such as a certificate of origin, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Consulting the specific trade agreement and the importing country's customs regulations is necessary to determine eligibility and requirements.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 121190, and what if my product is similar but not identical to examples in other headings?
HS code 121190 is a residual category for 'Other' plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, not elsewhere specified or included. The primary classification criteria are the plant's botanical identity, its form (e.g., fresh, dried, powdered), and its principal use. If your product is a plant material intended for these specific uses but does not fit into more specific headings within Chapter 12 (like 1211.10 for tobacco, 1211.20 for cannabis, etc.), it likely falls under 121190. However, if the plant's principal use is for human or animal consumption (e.g., spices, vegetables, fruits), it would be classified elsewhere. For borderline cases, consulting the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and seeking a binding ruling from the customs authority of the importing country is highly recommended to ensure correct classification and avoid potential penalties.